The Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) is a federal initiative designed to fund safety projects that reduce crashes and improve road safety. Waukesha County’s upcoming reconstruction of the intersection at County J (Pewaukee Road) and County FT (Northview Road) is a fitting example of how local governments can leverage HSIP funds to improve safety at high-risk locations.
Project Overview
This intersection in the city of Waukesha has been identified as a safety hotspot due to a history of angle crashes—16 incidents between 2017 and 2021, 11 of which involved injuries. Contributing factors include poor visibility from left-turning vehicles and outdated traffic signal systems. The proposed project will address these issues by redesigning the intersection to improve driver visibility, reduce crashes, and accommodate increasing traffic volumes.
Key improvements include:
- Redesigning the intersection with positive offset left-turn lanes.
- Installing raised medians on the north, south, and west sides to improve traffic flow.
- Resurfacing sections of County J and County FT to address deteriorating pavement.
- Replacing traffic signals and stormwater drainage systems.
The project is set to begin in 2027 with minimal environmental impact and plans for construction staging that will keep the intersection open to traffic throughout the process.
Understanding Program Requirements
The Waukesha County project was appropriately sized for the HSIP program, meeting both the cost and scope criteria. The project fits well within the typical funding range of HSIP, which supports projects between $300,000 and $5 million. The scope of the project also aligns with HSIP’s focus on implementing low-cost, high-impact safety improvements, such as offset left-turn lanes, raised medians, and signal upgrades. These measures are proven to significantly reduce crashes at high-risk locations, making the project a perfect fit for the program’s goals. Additionally, the project is designed to be completed within a few years, aligning with HSIP’s emphasis on timely delivery, which is critical for securing funding.
Applying for HSIP: Step-by-Step
The application process for HSIP grants is straightforward but requires a strategic approach to be competitive. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to successfully apply, using the Waukesha County project as an example:
- Identify the Safety Problem: The first step in the application process is to identify a safety issue that needs to be addressed. For Waukesha County, the intersection at County J and County FT was flagged due to its history of angle crashes and poor visibility.
- Collect Data and Evidence: HSIP applications require strong data to back up the need for the project. For this project, crash data showing 16 angle crashes between 2017 and 2021, with 11 involving injuries, provided compelling evidence that safety improvements were necessary.
- Align with the Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP): The project must align with the state’s SHSP, which focuses on reducing fatalities and serious injuries. Waukesha County’s project addresses a clear safety issue, making it a great match for HSIP’s priorities.
- Consider Project Size and Scope Requirements: The HSIP program has specific size and scope requirements, ensuring that projects are both feasible and impactful. Projects typically range in cost from $300,000 to $5 million and should focus on safety improvements that can be implemented in a short timeframe. The Waukesha County project meets these criteria, fitting comfortably within the program’s funding range.
- Prepare Reasonable Cost Estimates: Ensure accurate cost projections and a solid understanding of industry price trends. This project’s estimated construction cost and its cost-sharing structure (90% federal, 10% local) were clearly outlined in the application.
- Submit the Application: To apply for HSIP funding, submit the completed application (DT 1501 form) to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Regional HSIP Coordinator. A strong application (DT 1501 form) will demonstrate the need for the project, how it aligns with the SHSP, and its potential to reduce fatalities and injuries.
- Letter of Support: Including a letter of support from an agency leader, such as the public works director or mayor, is critical. It helps demonstrate that the project has local backing and is seen as a priority. Waukesha County included a letter of support from the County’s public works director, emphasizing the importance of the project.
- Cost Estimate and Budget: The application should include an accurate cost estimate. HSIP grants typically cover 90% of the project cost, with the local agency covering the remaining 10%. Waukesha County’s project is 90% funded by the federal grant and 10% covered by the county.
Navigating Potential Challenges
While the HSIP application process is straightforward, there are several challenges that can arise. Common issues include project delays, meeting delivery requirements, and providing accurate cost estimates. Project delays can be minimized by fully vetting the project location and identifying potential critical path items such as historic property impacts, real estate needs, or utility conflicts. This includes having initial discussions with the WisDOT region environmental coordinator regarding the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) project requirements and overlaying right-of-way boundaries and known utility locations onto conceptual designs to identify potential issues. Understanding these needs upfront allowed the County to have the right tools and procedures in place before the project even started.
Meeting specific delivery milestones is another critical challenge. Failure to meet these milestones can result in ineligibility for future applications, removal from the program, or even the need to repay funds already expended. To mitigate this risk, local agencies must carefully plan project timelines and consider using tools like the Expedited Project Selection Procedures (EPSP) to expedite delivery when feasible.
Cost estimating is a particularly challenging part of the HSIP application process. This is due to the conceptual level of the proposed improvements and fluctuations in the final project schedule. Rising labor and material costs in recent years have caused projects to overrun their initial award amounts, placing a financial burden on local agencies. The County used tools such as Bid Express and Estimator to understand historic bid prices and trending cost increases to develop a conservative yet reasonable cost estimate in their funding request.
One of the overarching goals of the HSIP application process is to develop an appropriately sized project, focusing on proven countermeasures that not only align with the program’s goals but also offer a high potential for safety improvements. Waukesha County was able to achieve this goal and effectively mitigate these challenges, leading to a successful HSIP application.
Measuring Success
Once the project is completed, success can be measured through a reduction in crashes and injuries at the intersection. By improving visibility, traffic flow, and signal systems, the project is expected to decrease the frequency of angle crashes and improve overall traffic safety. The project’s success will be closely monitored to assess its impact on safety, with a focus on reducing both fatalities and serious injuries.
Conclusion
Applying for the HSIP grant can seem like a complex process, but with the proper approach, local agencies can successfully secure funding for critical safety projects. By understanding the program’s requirements, preparing a strong application, and aligning the project with the Strategic Highway Safety Plan, Waukesha County, with support from raSmith, was able to secure funding for the County J and County FT intersection reconstruction project.
